Car Crashes Are the Leading Cause of Death for Children
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car crashes rank as the leading cause of death for children. They also represent one of the most preventable causes of child fatalities.
Proper restraints and seat belt use save lives.
Young Children Face the Highest Risk in Crashes
CDC data shows that children 12 years old and younger face a higher risk of injury or death in car accidents. In 2016 alone, motor vehicle crashes injured approximately 128,000 children in this age group. Tragically, 723 children lost their lives.
These numbers highlight the urgent need for safer driving habits.
Improper Restraint Plays a Major Role in Child Fatalities
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Safety Research found that more than 600,000 parents failed to properly restrain their children. Many did not use the correct car seat or booster seat. Others did not require seat belt use.
As a result, 35% of children ages 0 to 12 who died in crashes in 2016 were improperly restrained.
Older Children Often Skip Seat Belts
CDC data from 2016 shows that children between 8 and 12 years old were the least likely to wear seat belts. Nearly 48% of children in this age group admitted they did not buckle up.
Younger children also faced risks. About 21% of children under age 4 and 33% of children ages 4 to 7 rode without seat belts.
Adult Behavior Strongly Influences Child Safety
Researchers found that children often mirror adult behavior. When drivers failed to wear seat belts, their children followed suit.
In fact, 40% of children riding with an unbelted adult also failed to buckle up. This finding shows how critical it is for parents and caregivers to lead by example.
Waco Parents Must Take an Active Role in Child Safety
Waco parents must take extra steps to protect their children. Caregivers should not assume kids always follow safety rules. Instead, they should double-check seat belts and car seats every time.
If your child suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, a child injury attorney can explain your legal options. Taking action may help protect your child’s future. Call us today at 254-848-0274 or contact us online.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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